Firefighters on scene of large blaze in Atlantic City

Atlantic City firefighters are out in full force at a blaze on South Georgia Avenue.

The Hotel Cassino at 28 S. Georgia Ave. was evacuated about 7:45 Thursday morning, with thick smoke seen for blocks.

Flames shot out of the top floor windows of the four-story rooming house.

Fire Chief Scott Evans was on scene working the fire and not able to update media.

Mayor Marty Small praised the public safety response.

“Great job by the fine men and women in blue of the Atlantic City Fire Department,” he said. “And kudos to our neighboring cities who helped in a big way to try to get the situation under control.”

Atlantic City police also were on scene and worked to keep the area clear of people and traffic.

A resident next door to the building posted a Facebook Live showing one man try to escape out a window. As he tried to climb down he fell .

The woman screamed and said she believed he died. But Small said Thursday afternoon that there were no fatalities.

“That’s the first question I asked,” he told BreakingAC. “Were there any fatalities?”

He was told no.

Small did not have the number of those who were living in the Hotel Cassino, but one was a city worker.

“We’re rallying around one of our Public Works workers who, unfortunately, lost everything,” he said.

Atlantic City Health and Human Services Director Jarrod Barnes and Licensing and Inspections Director Dale Finch were working with residents who are displaced, Small said.

This story is developing. Check back for updates.